On Wednesday, Donald Trump followed through on one of his campaign promises and officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. In response, the president's critics didn't hold back their thoughts.
Trump on Israel
For decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has created tension in the Middle East and around the world. Following the creation of Israel as an independent state in 1948, the fight over Jerusalem and other land in the region has been ongoing. After the Six-Day War concluded in 1967, Israel occupied East Jerusalem, which has been under its control ever since.
Despite this, the international community has not officially declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel, which has only added to the tension at hand. Earlier this week, reports suggested that Donald Trump would announce that the United States would take a bold step in the international community and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. As seen on his Twitter feed on November 6, Trump made the announcement, but received backlash as a result.
Pres. Trump: "Today, we finally acknowledge the obvious -- that Jerusalem is Israel's capital. This is nothing more or less than a recognition of reality." https://t.co/agZ28xxCJL pic.twitter.com/MNyKoWmLtb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 6, 2017
With Vice President Mike Pence by his side, Donald Trump announced that the United States will officially recognize Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
"I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," Trump said, before also noting that the United States will make plans to move their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018.
Not stopping there, Donald Trump couldn't help but give himself a little credit for the decision. "While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver," Trump pointed out, while adding, "Today, I am delivering." Trump's announcement received mixed reviews, with many expressing concern that it could increase tension with many Muslims in the Middle East, while warning about a possible terrorist retaliation.
Social media response
As Donald Trump made his announcement, it quickly resulted in backlash from those who have opposed his presidency. "Where is Marco when you need him, your mouth is so dry you can hardly speak. That is when we know you are saying either a lie, or something you know is wrong. Bad form," one tweet read in reference to Trump struggling to get through his speech with a dry mouth.
Possible mini stroke?? Get checked out Trump!!!!!!!
— rob demchuk (@robdem76) December 6, 2017
Jerusalem is an occupied territory Mr. President nor you or the US congress have any legal rights to hand it to any party 2nd Balfour error
— laila ezzelarab (@EzzelarabLaila) December 6, 2017
Where is Marco when you need him, your mouth is so dry you can hardly speak. That is when we know you are saying either a lie, or something you know is wrong. Bad form
— Mike Gilpatrick (@mgilpatrick) December 6, 2017
"Another tactic of distraction, no worry that this will cause violence and death to many people. Threats against our embassy’s all over the world. But hey as long as their aren’t taking about you being Puttin’s puppet no big deal!" another Twitter user wrote.
"Trump cannot is incapable of giving an effective speech. He has had plenty of practice, but simply cannot do it," an additional tweet read.
Trump cannot is icapable of giving an effective speach. He has had plenty of practice, but simply cannot do it.
— Joe Burrage (@jbsoldsa) December 6, 2017
Another tactic of distraction, no worry that this will cause violence and death to many people. Threats against our embassy’s all over the world. But hey as long as their aren’t taking about you being Puttin’s puppet no big deal!
— B Moore (@BrenKMoore) December 6, 2017
"Jerusalem is an occupied territory Mr. President nor you or the US congress have any legal rights to hand it to any party 2nd Balfour error," a follow-up tweet replied. "You got a slur today. What gives?," one Twitter user asked, which was answered by "Possible mini stroke?? Get checked out Trump!!!!!!!"
